Role of microRNAs in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not entirely understood. Recently, the role of microRNA in this liver disease entity and its implication in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic potential has advanced rapidly over the year. While the regulation of miRNA function and its mechanism of actions on translational control of target mRNA expression remain unknown, advances in miRNA research allow identification and biochemical characterization of events that limit protein expression, which is crucial in various forms of human diseases and their subsequent development. It is hoped that further understanding of the role of microRNA in NAFLD will advance potential therapeutics and preventive measures to modify and alter this disease process.